By Special to the Town Crier

If you have a garage door opener, or are thinking of installing one, safety is hardly an open-and-shut case. Fortunately, new units offer safety features that make it easier to protect your home and your family.

Here are some safety tips:

While on vacation, unplug the garage door opener unit, or use a wall console security switch, which is an optional accessory to most openers.

Just as you change the locks on the door when you move into a new home, make sure to investigate the security of a garage door opener. If there is an access code switch setting, it should be reset.

Wireless keypads, which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number (PIN), are available for most systems. This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote. Never disclose the PIN or leave it written down.